When you are shopping for a luxury watch, it can be difficult to know where to start. Just where are the best places to buy luxury watches these days? We hope to make the process a bit simpler for you by giving you three options for buying a luxury watch: a flagship store, a vintage dealer, and online. Then we are sharing some of our favorite stores within each of those categories. Happy shopping!
Flagship Stores
While many jewelers carry newly released watches, you can show your favorite watchmaker the most support by buying directly from their flagship store. Most luxury watchmakers will have flagship stores in major retail areas. Visit one of these locations to ask questions of the knowledgeable staff, and to get a peek at the newest watches that brand offers.
Patek Philippe owns three Salons in Geneva, Paris and London. All of them are located in prestigious and historical local areas. The historical Geneva Salons date back to the 19th century…
A. Lange & Söhne Boutique – Dresden
Dresden has been known as “Florence on the Elbe” since back in the 19th century. This may seem an unlikely nickname at first, as Florence and Dresden have developed in very different ways – one in the Italian region of Tuscany and the other in the German state of Saxony. Take a closer look, however, and you will soon see parallels between the two cities. A good reason for A. Lange & Söhne to choose to hold a product presentation in Florence.
Vacheron Constantin Boutique – Zurich
A Vacheron Constantin Boutique is a window into the exceptional world of the brand. The interior design reflects the ancestral expertise and watchmaking excellence embodied in the Manufacture’s watches. Natural and textured materials such as leather, wood and bronze, as well as the contemporary color palette make for an atmosphere blending refinement, creativity and a lasting quality.
Vintage Dealers
When you search for vintage luxury watches, your best bet is to patronize a dealer with a sterling reputation. These watch sellers not only have extensive knowledge of the history of luxury watches, but they oftentimes service those same watches. A dealer that is familiar with the internal workings of a timepieces is much more likely to give you good advice when purchasing a vintage watch. You don’t want to spend your money on a watch that will not even run, do you?
These four vintage watch dealers have been in business long enough, and have the necessary expertise, to guide your search for a quality vintage timepiece.
Aaron Faber – New York, New York
Aaron Faber Gallery New York celebrates the artistry of jewelry and watch design through its extensive collection of 20th and 21st century fine jewelry and collectible timepieces. We invite you to view and enjoy some of the extraordinary jewelry presented in our gallery every day.
Robert Maron, Inc. – Thousand Oaks, California
A watch dealer since 1982, while the hobby was still evolving, Robert Maron has bought and sold many of the world’s most exclusive and expensive timepieces. More than just a high-profile dealer, Mr. Maron is equally known throughout the world for his expertise in ultra-rare, high-grade and vintage Swiss watches.
Antique Watch Co. – London, England
A listed building over two hundred years old, 19 Clerkenwell Road has a history of being famous for its watch making and watch repairs, case making, silversmiths, jewellery making, engraving, clock repair, watch parts and materials.
H.Q. Milton – San Francisco, California
HQ Milton was created from a passion and a love for vintage timepieces. We are fueled by a desire to buy and sell pieces that have value and a long and interesting history.
Online
Not able to travel to the location of a flagship store or to visit a vintage dealer? Just like everything else these days, you can buy luxury watches online. We do urge caution when purchasing online, however. Brand e-stores and the online shops of certified dealers are generally a safe bet. Beyond those sites, you must do your due diligence before purchasing to avoid getting ripped off. These two online store have proven to be trustworthy over the years.
- Princeton Watches has been a trusted online store for watches and jewelry since 1997. Unlike many online stores, Princeton Watches is an authorized dealer for every brand they sell.
- Every watch sold by Ashford comes with a 100% guarantee and a 2 year warranty, which is a pretty decent indicator that they stand behind their pieces.
Where will you be buying your next luxury watch? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.
